X-ray detector assemblies and related computed tomography systems

Abstract

X-ray detector assemblies and related computed tomography systems are provided. In this regard, a representative X-ray detector assembly includes: a scintillator assembly having a scintillation component and an optical fiber; the scintillation component being operative to emit light responsive to X-rays being incident thereon; the optical fiber being positioned to receive light emitted from the scintillation component.

1. A computed tomography system for use with a target, the system comprising:
 an X-ray detector array having a plurality of scintillator assemblies and a plurality of photomultiplier assemblies, the X-ray detector array being operative to output signals corresponding to an amount of X-rays detected; 
 each scintillator assembly having a scintillation component and an optical fiber, the scintillation component being operative to emit light responsive to X-rays being incident thereon, the optical fiber being positioned to receive light emitted from the scintillation components; 
 each photomultiplier assembly having a plurality of photomultiplier tubes disposed with a housing having cavities extending therethrough, each photomultiplier tube being operative to output an electrical signal responsive to light propagated thereto by the optical fiber of a respective one of the scintillator assemblies, wherein each photomultiplier tube has a contact portion and a tube portion that is received at least partially within a corresponding one of the cavities, and wherein each of the photomultiplier tubes is replaceable. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each housing has a plurality of cavities formed therethrough; 
 at least a portion of the photomultiplier tubes are positioned within the cavities; and 
 the optical fibers are positioned to optically communicate with the photomultiplier tubes. 
 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a first end of each optical fiber is attached to a respective one of the scintillation components with an optically transparent adhesive. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each scintillator assembly has a strain relief tube; 
 each optical fiber has an outer jacket; and 
 at least a portion of the outer jacket is removed such that a corresponding unjacketed portion of the optical fiber is inserted within the strain relief tube. 
 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the photomultiplier assembly has an analog-to-digital converter operative to output a digital signal corresponding to the electrical signal. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an X-ray source operative to emit X-rays directed at the target. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , further comprising a collimator located upstream of the detector array, the collimator having channels formed therethrough, the channels being aligned with the X-ray source to permit passage of X-rays therethrough. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 7 , wherein the collimator is a post-target collimator positioned downstream of the target and upstream of the detector array. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 7 , wherein each of the channels is aligned with a corresponding detector of the detector array such that the number of channels and the number of detectors so aligned exhibit a one-to-one correspondence. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an image processor operative to receive information corresponding to the amount of X-rays detected and to provide image data corresponding to a target at which the X-rays are directed. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the scintillation component comprises CdWO 4 . 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein each optical fiber exhibits a bend angle of between approximately 5 and approximately 30 degrees located between the scintillation component and the photomultiplier assembly. 
     
     
       13. An X-ray detector assembly, comprising:
 a plurality of modular photomultiplier assemblies, each modular photomultiplier assembly having a tube housing, a plurality of photomultiplier tubes and analog-to-digital converter circuitry; 
 the tube housing having cavities extending therethrough; 
 each of the photomultiplier tubes being operative to output electrical signals responsive to light propagated thereto, each of the photomultiplier tubes having a tube portion and a contact portion, the tube portion of each of the photomultiplier tubes being received at least partially within a corresponding one of the cavities, wherein each of the photomultiplier tubes is replaceable; and 
 the analog-to-digital converter circuitry is operative to output digital signals corresponding to the electrical signals. 
 
     
     
       14. The assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the modular photomultiplier assemblies are configured to receive light provided by a linear array of scintillators. 
     
     
       15. The assembly of  claim 13 , wherein:
 each modular photomultiplier assembly further comprises a base housing having cavities extending therethrough; 
 the base housing being positioned such that the contact portion of each of the photomultiplier tubes extends through a corresponding one of the base housing cavities, each of the tube portions being prevented from extending through the base housing cavities. 
 
     
     
       16. The assembly of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the assembly further comprises a scintillator assembly having a plurality of scintillation components and a plurality of optical fibers, the scintillation components being operative to emit light responsive to X-rays being incident thereon, the optical fibers each being positioned to receive light emitted from a respective one of the scintillation components; and 
 each of the photomultiplier tubes is operative to receive light propagated by a respective one of the optical fibers.